Who remembers Hercules the Bear and his bid for freedom 35 years ago?

OUR archive pictures recall the dramatic September 35 years ago when Hercules the bear won the hearts of millions after escaping and going on the run on a Scottish Hebridean island.

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FOR a while he was the most famous outlaw in Scotland, the gentle giant who went on the run for 24 days on a Scottish island in September 1980.

This months marks 35 years since Hercules the Bear became a global superstar, after escaping during the filming of an advert off Benbecula and swimming for freedom to North Uist.

His three weeks of freedom were like something from a comedy movie, with the British press chasing the story, hunters chasing the bear, and the public praying for his safety.

The 8ft, 70 stones grizzly bear was eventually spotted swimming by local crofters on the Outer Hebridean island.

Andy Robin and hunters attend to the runaway Grizzly bear Hercules which has been shot with a tranquiliser

He was shot with a tranquilizer gun from a helicopter and captured before being reunited with owners Andy and Maggie Robin, from Dollar, Clackmannanshire.

Wrestler Andy had paid £50 for Hercules as a cub in 1976 when a wildlife park planned to put him down because they had nowhere to keep him.

Hercules recaptured - but it's not easy handing a 70 stone bear

The Scots couple lived with him for 25 years in their specially adapted home, which included a 40-foot swimming pool and a log cabin for Hercules.

After his high-profile escape - some later claimed orchestrated stunt - the cuddly creature went on to become most famous bear in the world, appearing in adverts and even in the James Bond film, Octopussy.

He was on the front cover of Time magazine, met Margaret Thatcher and caddied for Bob Hope at a golf tournament while Andy and Hercules wrestling performances were watched by millions and the unique relationship captured the hearts of a nation.

He died of natural causes in February 2000 and he is now buried in Langass Woods on North Uist, the location of his great escape.